Ukraine's Air Raid Alert App Taken Offline After Suspected Hack

Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation said on Sunday that the country's official mobile app "Povitryana Tryvoha" (Air Alert), which warns residents of air attack threats during the war, had probably come under hostile interference. The app has been temporarily disabled while technical work is carried out, and the ministry urged people to rely on alternative sources of warnings.

What happened

According to the source, the app was apparently hacked on Sunday evening, and its notifications began showing warnings about radiation and chemical hazards. In its statement, the ministry said the app had "probably been exposed to enemy influence".

The ministry's advice

To learn about alerts while the app is out of service, the ministry recommends the following:

• Turn on emergency alerts on your phone. The state emergency notification system sends signals that bypass silent modes, so the warning reaches the user immediately. On iPhone, open "Settings" → "Notifications" and switch on the toggles under "Emergency Alerts". On Android, open "Settings" → "Passwords and security" (or "Safety and emergency") → "Emergency alerts". Alternatively, go to "Location" and enable notifications about air raid alerts in Ukraine.
• Heed the sirens. Sirens and other warning systems are working. Anyone who hears an alert or receives an official message should go to the nearest shelter immediately and stay until the official all-clear.
• Use only official sources. Verified information about air threats and the movement of enemy targets is available from the Ukrainian Air Force channels on Telegram, WhatsApp and Viber.
• Kyiv residents: air alert notifications in the "Kyiv Digital" app are working normally.

The ministry has not yet said when the app will resume operating.